NCS Intercepts 10.498 Arms, 144. 929 Ammunitions Worth N9.8bn In Six Years
NCS Intercepts 10.498 Arms, 144. 929 Ammunitions Worth N9.8bn In Six Years
By Asuquo Nuwak
In a bid to deliver the dividend of democracy and good governance under the visionary leadership of president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi has said on Wednesday in Ikeja, Lagos, that the Nigeria Customs Service, has Intercepted 20 significant shipments, comprising 10,498 pieces of various arms 114.929 pieces of ammunition, with an estimated Duty Paid Value DPV of N9.58 billion since 2018.
The Customs Boss, announced specifically that 60% of these seizures took place within the past one year alone, while recent surge accounts for 34.67% of the total Duty Paid Value (DPV), 20.58% of the arms seized, up and a staggering 99.62% of the ammunition intercepted over the six years period.
According to the report, these statistics does not only highlight the intensification of the service efforts but also reveal the evolving tactics employed by smugglers who are attempting to breach the borders.
The Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, said in response to this escalating threat, the service recently declared a state of emergency, following significant seizures of restricted goods, which included pharmaceuticals and medicaments.
The CGC noted that the intricate connections between these diverse smuggling activities and the networks facilitating them are now the primary focus of the service strategic operations, such as “Operations Whirlwind and Operation Swift Sting”.
According to him, these are among other initiatives which represent the multifaceted approach adopted by Nigeria Customs Service to fortify the service operations and safeguard Nigeria’s health and security interests.
He said, another major concern is the alarming rise in wildlife trafficking which does not only threatens the nation’s biodiversity but also tarnishes Nigeria’s international reputation.
According to him, the illegal trade in endangered species, especially pangolin scales has positioned Nigeria as a transit point in the global wildlife trafficking network. This illicit trade, he added decimates the nation’s natural heritage, fuels transnational criminal networks as well as undermining the national security and economic stability.
Apart from this, he said the embarrassment caused by these activities on the global stage is significant, while potentially impacting the diplomatic relations and economic partnerships. He added that, it is imperative that the service address this issue with the utmost urgency and commitment.
He highlighted the details of the service recent enforcement activities on wildlife trafficking, which recent operations have yielded significant results in combating the illegal trade of endangered species.
He recalled that on August 8 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with their main partner, which is the Wildlife Justice Commission, conducted a joint enforcement operation which resulted in the seizures of 9.493kp of pangolin scales.
According to the report, this operation which took place in two separate locations, represents the largest seizures of pangolin scales globally since January 2020.
The breakdown of the pangolin scales seizures included Kano and Kaduna operation which yielded 2, 293 tons of pangolin scales and led to two arrests, while the Lagos operation resulted in the seizures of 7.2 tons of pangolin scales and led to two additional arrest.
In addition to this, a total of four persons were arrested in connection with these operations, while two were arrested in Kano, other two were arrested in Lagos.
According to the statistics, these seizures bring the total amount of pangolin scales intercepted by Nigeria Customs Service and the Wildlife Justice Commission to nearly 20 tons since 2021, representing the loss of over 30,000 pangolin species. The Customs Boss, acknowledged the crucial role of intelligence provided by their partners, which has led to these successful operations.
He said the Nigeria Customs Service is committed to collaborating with domestic and international partners to combat wildlife trafficking and bring perpetrators to justice.
According to the Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, ” our efforts extend beyond major cities and ports to include supply routes in Northern Nigeria and border areas where many of these products illegally smuggled into Nigeria”. Besides, he said the service has recognized the evolving tactics of trafficking networks and are adapting their strategies accordingly.
He disclosed that the threat to endangered species is unacceptable, and Nigeria will continue to work tirelessly with their partners to eradicate this illegal trade and ensure that those responsible face the full consequences of their actions.
He announced that an operation in Kebbi state, has led to the seizures of 445.45 kg of pangolin scales, with the arrest of one person. He announced that in a related international case, the service have made substancial progress in an investigation linked to a shipment from Onne port, Port Harcourt, which was intercepted at Hai Phong port in Vietnam.
According to the report, the shipment contained 1.580 kg of elephant tusks, with three persons, including agents and seller connected to this illegal export, have been arrested.
He revealed that the ongoing efforts to curb the importation of illicit and potentially harmful pharmaceuticals have yielded significant results. He recalled that on 15 October 2024, at Kachicares Resources Terminal, intelligence officers examined a 40 foot container number SUDU8579006, declared to contain kitchenware. upon inspection, it was uncovered that a concealment of 1.584 cartoons of barcadin cough syrup for throat and chesty cough with codeine, totalling 158.483 bottles of 100ml each.
According to him, this discovery shows the sophisticated methods employed by smugglers to bypass their controls. Similarly, in a separate operations on 11October 2024, at Apapa port customs command, intelligence officers intercepted two 40 foot containers with numbers MRKU0377493 and TGBU8886020 containing 300 bottles of CSP cough syrup.
Alarmingly, 200 of these bottles were found to be expired, posing a significant public health risk. He noted that these recent seizures are part of a broader trend the service have observed.
He recalled that between may 2023 and August 2024, the Nigeria Customs Service has recorded 48 seizures of restricted pharmaceuticals and medicaments.
The breakdown of the seizures included 119 shipments of narcotics and indian hemp, and 7.155 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled rice. Meanwhile, 3.235 bags were recently confiscated along the Erekiti waterside, Seme road, and Ogun state border areas.
He disclosed that the Joint Border Patrol Team (JBPT) Sector 2 in the Southwest Zone of Lagos, conducted successful operations between 12 September and 14 October 2024, resulting in various seizures valued at N1. 1billion.
In the words of Comptroller-General of Customs Bashir Adewale Adeniyi: “These seizures and interceptions are some of the results of our new strategies and dedication of our officers. However, they also reveal the persistent and evolving nature of the threat we face”.
He warned those who persist in these nefarious activities that Nigeria Customs Service, in collaboration with other security agencies is determined than ever to bring the full weight of the law upon them.
He is quoted as saying that: “We are continuously enhancing our intelligence gathering capacities, upgrading our technological infrastructure, strengthening our partnership domestically and internationally”.
He assured law abiding citizens and legitimate traders of the service commitment to facilitating lawful trade and protecting the economy.
In his words: “We are here to serve you and to ensure that that Nigeria remains a safe and prosperous nation for all”.
At the end of the press briefing, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Customs Service to their mandate. In his words: “We will continue to evolve, innovate and collaboration to meet the challenges of our time. We will also sustain our efforts in enforcing laws, safeguarding the future of our nation, protecting the health and safety of our citizens, as we continue to contribute to the economic prosperity that president Bola Ahmed Tinubu envisions for Nigeria.
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